Top

Menu

MATPRA

MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Visit Erie

Five Great Places to Hike in Erie, Pennsylvania

Fifty-seven percent of Pennsylvania is forested. In fact, the state’s name translates into “Penn’s Woods,” Penn referring to William Penn who established the first colony, and “Sylvania,” which means woods or forest in Latin.  For those who like to hike and spend time in nature, there are numerous places to do so in the Erie area. There is a trail suitable for nearly any age or ability and most are just a short drive from the city.

Here are five great hiking spots to explore in Erie County:

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park has several trails, ranging from very short connector trails to a 13-mile paved multipurpose trail that encircles the park. There are three good middle-of-the-road options for those who want to get off the beaten path and walk in nature a mile or so: Dead Pond Trail, 2 miles; Long Pond Trail, 1 mile; and the Sidewalk Trail, 1.25 miles. All three are out-and-back trails near the top of the park that are marked with signage and are easily accessible from the road/multipurpose trail. See a PISP trail map here.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs State Park, 17 miles west of Erie, in Lake City, is Erie’s other state park. This 587-acre park is a wilder, less-developed area with a mile of shoreline and 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie.  The park has a total of 5.16 miles of trails that are made up of several short trails that connect at various points, so you can easily string several small trails together for a longer hike. The trails are well marked. There is ample parking at the main entrance and portable toilets and lake access at the nearby Elk Creek access entrance. See an Erie Bluffs trail map here.

Tip: Pennsylvania State Park Rangers offer several free programs, hikes, and activities at both parks.

Asbury Woods

Asbury Woods is a 234-acre nature center west of Erie, with acres of fields, forests, wetlands, and more than 5 miles of wooded and well-maintained trails that traverse through them. The longest, The Greenway Trail, 2.2 miles, connects a series of land parcels, with Asbury Woods Nature Center and Brown’s Farm anchoring each end. A highlight of this trail is a scenic steel walking bridge over Walnut Creek that offers access to the creek where you can cool your heels.  Asbury Woods Nature Center offers animal exhibits, information, restrooms, and a gift shop. There are also picnic pavilions and play areas for children.  See an Asbury Woods trail map here.

Headwaters Park

Headwaters Park is a hidden gem, an oasis of nature on thirty-five acres tucked into an industrial park in Millcreek. So named because it is the start of the headwaters of Mill Creek, you’ll find nearly three miles of trails on this parcel of nature covered with mature hardwoods, native grasses, wildflowers, and more.  There is interpretive signage, a boardwalk over the wetlands, an accessible stream for fossil hunting, ample parking, picnic tables, and portable toilets. See a map of Headwaters Park trails here.

Wintergreen Gorge

The Wintergreen Gorge is a 4,000-foot long, 250-foot-wide chasm on the edge of the campus of Penn State University Behrend Campus that is estimated to have been formed more than 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, as melting water formed a meandering path to Lake Erie. Wintergreen Gorge Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that travels along Fourmile Creek in the gorge for the first half mile and then up through the woods for the second half mile before summitting at a picturesque overlook, known locally as the Devil’s Backbone. Though the trail is not blazed, it’s easy to follow the wide, main path. There are no restrooms, but there is interpretive signage and plenty of parking at the Cooper Road entrance. See a map of Wintergreen Gorge Trail here.

Trail Talk
A few terms that are helpful to know when choosing a trail:

Blaze: A colored mark, usually painted or nailed to a tree, to help you follow the trail.
Easy/Moderate/Strenuous: Trail descriptions that refer to difficulty. Easy is usually flat and grassy. Moderate includes some hills, roots, and rocks. Strenuous means serious uphills, rough terrain, and sometimes climbing.
Loop: The trail starts and finishes in the same spot.
Out-and-back: Trail goes to a certain point, and then you turn around and take the same trail back to the start.
Point-to-Point: The trail starts at one point and ends at another.

Nine Must-Try Fall Bites and Beverages in Erie, PA

Fall in Erie is full of flavor, and local chefs, bakers, and brewers are serving up the season in the most delicious ways. From cozy pumpkin curries to spiced cocktails and apple wines, these bites and beverages showcase the best of Erie’s fall food scene. Here’s what’s new this season.

Bites

Bar Ronin
Roasted Savory Pumpkin Curry (V/GF/DF)
A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, this curry is filled with roasted fall vegetables, miso pepitas, and warm koshihikari rice, a short-grain rice developed in Japan after World War II, known for its sticky, chewy, and sweet taste.
Flip Café
Franken-toast
Known for their creative breakfast entrees, Flip Café is leaning into spooky season with Franken-toast. This brioche French toast is topped with a pistachio fluff, puff pastry and drizzled with ginger-honey syrup.
Tipsy Bean Café
Pumpkin Maple Glaze Cookie (V/GF)
The epitome of fall flavors is this soft, spiced pumpkin cookie drizzled with a sweet maple glaze that melts into every bite. It pairs perfectly with their Count Dracula Cayenne Mocha, a classic, rich mocha topped with a sprinkling of cayenne spice for a spooky twist.
Lucky Louie’s Beer & Wieners
Bratty German Kid
Lucky Louie’s always brings the flavor. Their seasonal dog, Bratty German Kid, is made with Boski Cheesy Brat, topped with kraut, Swiss cheese, spicy brown mustard, and bacon all piled high on a pretzel bun.

Beverages

Jade Winery
Apple Wine
Enjoy the sweetness of a Gala, the crispness of an Empire, and the tartness of a Cortland apple in Jade’s special apple wine blend made with locally grown apples from Burch Farms. Pair with sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or apple pie. Don’t forget to serve chilled.
Werner Books & Coffee
Maple Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cold Foam and Cinnamon
Maple, pumpkin, and cinnamon – the ultimate fall trio. This drink is best enjoyed once settled into a quiet nook of the bookstore. Be sure to browse the shelves featuring Erie’s own authors, which makes for the perfect companion to your seasonal sip.
The Brewerie at Union Station
Apparition Amber
Named after a ghost who has taken up residency at The Brewerie, this beer packs a spicy punch. Filled with hot chilis and fresh jalapenos, try this beer if you dare.
Voodoo Brewery Company – Erie Pub
Classic Cinnamon Toast Crunch Old Fashioned
Voodoo uses their own Spirits Bourbon Whiskey that has been infused with copious amounts of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, creating a mouthwatering fusion of smooth whiskey with bold cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker flavors. Want to take it up a notch? Try it smoked with cinnamon wood chips for an aromatic finish.
Before the Barrel Distillery
Salted Caramel Pecan
Made in small batches, the Salted Caramel Pecan Moonshine is a number one seller. The first sip is a strong caramel flavor followed by a butter pecan finish. Sip this on its own or mixed with apple cider.

Five Award Winning Wines You Can Only Get in Lake Erie Wine Country

You don’t have to travel far to experience a range of complex, award-winning wines that have been recognized among some of the nation’s best. A 90 minute drive from Pittsburgh, Cleveland or Buffalo lands you in Lake Erie Wine Country – the largest grape growing region in the Great Lakes, and home to more than 20 commercial and estate wineries, all with selections that will please even the most refined palate. Plan a trip to taste these award-winning wines in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

Johnson Estate Winery
2022 Chambourcin
Best of Class for French Hybrids, 2025 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2025 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2025 Los Angeles Wine Competition
Crisp with a medium body, Johnson Estate’s Chambourcin is made from estate-grown French-hybrid grapes on the third-generation family farm in western New York. Look for berry notes with a little oakiness, and pair with a variety of red meats or game.

Presque Isle Wine Cellars
2022 Gruner Veltliner
Platinum Award, 2023 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition, San Diego
This complex dry white wine is made from grapes grown in Erie County, and is versatile in how it pairs with food. Try it with vegetable dishes or something with a little spice.

South Shore Wine Company
2024 The Perfect Rose
Gold Medal, 2024 New York Wine Classic
Gold Medal, 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards
The Perfect Rose isn’t just beautiful when poured, it’s the perfect wine for sipping outside. Chambourcin grapes give this variety a hint of color and delicate berry flavor. Try it paired with salmon or a salad.

Courtyard Winery
Courtyard Brut
Bronze Medal, 2018 USA Wine Ratings, San Francisco
This dry white sparkline wine is made from Chardonel grapes, using the traditional champagne method. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop this one.

Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
2018 Dry Reisling, Nutt Road Vineyard
Silver Medal, 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition
Reisling grapes were harvested early in the morning at cool temperatures to ensure optimum maturity and flavor concentration of this variety. Try it paired with a pork roast or fish.

Get Spooky in Eerie PA!

Whispers of otherworldly secrets and restless spirits beckon, as Eerie Pennsylvania readies for its spookiest season. A chilling greeting awaits you and your ghoul friends along the shores of Lake Erie with haunted cemeteries, creepy tunnels, and spine-tingling films. From things that go bump in the night to unexplainable ghostly noises, the city with the eerily appropriate name is ready to scare you senseless with Halloween happenings.

The Eerie Horror Fest

October 11-12, 2025

The undead are calling. Held inside the historic Warner Theater, the Eerie Horror Fest is a curated program of new, upcoming, and classic short and feature-length films, workshops, panel discussions, vendors, concert performances, and celebrity guests participating in live Q&As, autographs, and photo opportunities. Click here for ticket information and additional details.

Victorian Princess Halloween Moonlight Cruises

Fridays in October

Every Halloween, the majestic Victorian Princess paddleboat transforms into a haunted ship complete with decked-out decks and a devilishly devious crew, ready to carry its cache of creepy creatures onto the waters of Presque Isle Bay. This cruise is frightfully delightful featuring costume contests and prizes, a cash bar, and a DJ. Each cruise features a different themed night including witches, serial killers, zombies, and vampires.  All cruises run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket information is available here.

Haunted History Tours of Union Station

October 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29

See what lies beneath The Brewerie at Union Station and get a rare glimpse at the dark and mysterious tunnels that run underneath. A guide will walk you deep into the bowels of the building and tell the tragic story of Clara, a little girl who supposedly fell backward down a marble flight of stairs to her unfortunate death. To this day, there are rumors of people hearing a child’s giggle or a scream or experiencing a tripping sensation on their shins. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Space is extremely limited and tours sell out quickly. Reservations can be made online or by calling 814-454-2200.

Tour Erie: Eerie Stories, Legends & Lore Ghost Tour

Septemeber 19, 20, 26, 27 and October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31

Travel back in time to discuss the bloody, but successful Battle of Lake Erie and the sad legacy of Misery Bay. Hear the tale of the Lake Erie Storm Hag, swing by some buildings in downtown Erie that are said to be haunted and delve into more modern true crime stories including the infamous Pizza Bomber case that was covered in Netflix’s “Evil Genius” documentary. In this small group tour, you’ll hear a variety of eerie ghost stories, spooky legends and lore, all while getting a little exercise. The one-and-a-half mile tour will start and end at the Flagship Food Hall (North Park Row entrance), where you can grab a drink or dinner after the tour. Click here to book your tour.

Scallywags Pirate Adventures: Haunted Cruise

October 3-4 

For two nights only the Scallywags Pirate ship will become a ghost ship, haunted by the souls of undead pirates ready to have one last pirate party! This haunted cruise is for ages 21 and up. Come in your best (or worst) costume and enjoy a spooky DJ, ghastly entertainment and a costume contest! Click here to book your haunted pirate adventure.

Escape Game Erie – Axe Murder Hollow

Available year-round (West Ridge Road location)

The Axe Murder Hollow legend is based on a story that has haunted the Erie area for almost 60 years.  Although the alleged ax murder incident in the hollow off Sterrettania Road has never been proven and there is no historical evidence, generations of curious thrill seekers have visited the area in hopes of seeing the ghostly farmer who is said to have brutally murdered his wife and her lover. Immerse yourself in this frightfully interactive game as you try to find the gas can to start your car and escape before the farmer-turned-axe murderer finds you. Ticket information and additional details are here. .

Covert Escape Games, “Missing Person”

Available year-round (West Ridge Road location)

Described as a cross between Investigation-Discovery (ID) TV and Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs, Covert Escape Game’s newest room is its scariest room! The game is centered around a missing person’s case, and it just so happens that the person is someone you know. Through a series of clues and police reports, you and your search party will try to solve the mystery of what happened to this friend while uncovering some gruesome pieces along the way. With a little luck and keen clue-solving skills, your group can save your friend in time. Due to graphic images and limited lighting, parents should use discretion for children under 12. This game does not have any live actors, and the escape doors are not locked. The Missing Person game is available daily at various times. Click here for ticket information and additional details.

The Best Places to Enjoy Fall Foliage in Erie County

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Pennsylvania experiences the longest fall foliage season in the world, often spanning more than six weeks – and there’s no better place in PA to experience that than along the shores of Lake Erie. The wide variety of trees and shrubs changing to varied hues of reds, oranges, and golds reflecting off the water present a remarkable backdrop for an unforgettable getaway.

Fall colors typically peak in Erie County during the second or third week of October. Statewide foliage maps will be available starting the last week of September, and this blog will be updated accordingly. PA Fall Foliage Report: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/conservation/forests-and-tree/fall-foliage-reports

Presque Isle State Park

Pennsylvania’s most-visited state park continues to be a beacon for visitors well past beach season. With a 13-mile paved, waterfront trail along the perimeter of the park, 11 miles of forested hiking trails, and a wide variety of natural trees and plants, fall puts on a brilliant display of colors.

Featured viewing spot: The Presque Isle Lighthouse. Look out from the top of the tower for a broad sweep of color or stay at ground level where the trees and shoreline come together.

Asbury Woods

With 234 acres of forest featuring primarily deciduous trees, Asbury Woods is made for fall hikes and walks. Trails include an accessible woodland Boardwalk Trail, the more rugged Greenway Trail that meanders to Walnut Creek, and Big Maple Run – home to the park’s notable Grandmother Tree.

Featured viewing spot: The Grandmother Tree is beloved at Asbury Woods, and is brilliant in the fall. This red maple is more than 100 feet tall and is the largest tree in the forest, estimated to have begun growing between 1920-1930.

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail meanders along the shoreline of Lake Erie through Lake Erie Wine Country, where fall wraps the vineyards in warm colors, and the sweet scent of grapes is in the air. The drive alone makes Route 5 a perfect destination for the fall, made even better when you consider that more than 20 wineries dot the acres of vineyards.

Featured viewing spot: Lakeview Wine Cellars is just three miles south of Route 5, and is situated higher than the other wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. With floor-to-ceiling windows in their tasting room, the view pairs perfectly with a glass of their Shipwreck White.

Frontier Park

This 30-acre green space in the city of Erie offers a quiet retreat with more than 1,000 trees throughout the park. Nearly two miles of trails meander through the park (and connect to the Bayfront Multi-Use Path), and features a playground, tennis courts, a trail alongside Cascade Creek, a Labrynth, and an Education Center.

Featured viewing spot: Follow the path along the West Branch of Cascade Creek from W 8th Street for a dazzling display of fall color along a babbling trout stream. Feeling extra fall-y? Get a coffee from local favorite Pressed across the street before you start your stroll.

Wintergreen Gorge

While much of Erie County offers flat trails, Wintergreen Gorge is the exception.  Carved from shale and sandstone, the gorge’s cliffs and mature forest offer dramatic views, especially from the Gorge Overlook, where hikers find a well-deserved respite.

Featured viewing spot: The Gorge Overlook provides sweeping views of the colorful forest canopy and is a prime spot for photos. Park at the Cooper Road Trailhead to take a longer path along Fourmile Creek (and a waterfall or two!) or at the Prischak Lot Trailhead on the campus of Penn State Behrend for a quicker route.

Historic PA Route 6

Route 6N passes through vibrant fall colors and welcoming towns like Edinboro, Corry, and Waterford. Along the way, you’ll find forests, local shops, restaurants, and parks that make this scenic drive through Erie County feel like a step back to simpler times.

Featured viewing spot: The Harrington Covered Bridge in Albion, PA, built in 1870 and rebuilt in 1962, offers classic views of colorful forests framed by its historic wooden structure.

 

An Insider’s Guide to Tall Ships® Erie 2025

Lake Erie sets the stage for one of the region’s most unforgettable events as Tall Ships Erie returns August 21–24.  Here’s what you need to know to make the most of Tall Ships Erie.

 

What is Tall Ships Erie?
Tall Ships Erie is a maritime celebration that is part of the Tall Ships Challenge®, an annual event organized by Tall Ships America that alternates between the Great Lakes, the Pacific, and the Atlantic coasts of North America. For four days, majestic tall ships drop anchor at Dobbins Landing and the Bayfront Convention Center for deck tours, day sails, live music, hands-on activities, and a vibrant waterfront festival.

 

Festival Schedule

  • Festival Dates: August 21–24, 2025
  • Festival Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Parade of Sail: Thursday, August 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Note: The festival grounds will not be open for viewing the Parade of Sail. See below for the best spots to watch!

 

Special Events

  • Parade of Sails – Tall ships will gather in Lake Erie on Thursday, August 21, around 3 p.m. and sail in through the channel into Presque Isle Bay. Optimum viewing spots can be found here.
  • Fireworks – Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets and Admission

  • General Admission: $12/day
    • Includes access to festival grounds, music, activities, vendors, and ship viewing
  • Deck Tour Add-On: $6 (must be purchased with general admission)
  • Sailing Tickets: Sold separately
  • Purchase: Online at TallShipsErie.org or in person at the Bayfront Maritime Center (call ahead at 844-542-3743)

 

Parking and Getting There

There is no parking on the festival grounds. Visitors are strongly encouraged to park downtown and either walk or take a shuttle to the festival site.

Recommended Public Garages, Surface Lots, and Park-n-Rides:

Public Parking Locations Distance to Festival Est. Walk Time
Garages    
E 3rd and State Street Garage 0.7 mi ~13 min
7th and Peach Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.0 mi ~18 min
120 W 9th Street Garage 1.3 mi ~24 min
8th and French Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.2 mi ~22 min
10th and French Street Garage (shuttle available) 1.3 mi ~24 min
Surface Lots    
Surface Lot 11 (French St between E 2nd and 3rd Streets) 0.7 mi ~13 min
Surface Lot 3 (E 3rd St between State and French Streets) 0.8 mi ~15 min
Surface Lot 7 (E 11th St between State and French Streets) 1.0 mi ~18 min
Surface Lot 2 (W 11th St between State and Peach Streets) 1.1 mi ~20 min
Surface Lot 1 (W 6th St next to the Erie County Courthouse) 1.2 mi ~22 min
Surface Lot 14 (W 13th St between State and Peach Streets) 1.4 mi ~25 min
Park-n-Rides    
Intermodal Transportation Center 208 E Bayfront Parkway 0.3 mi ~5 min
Lincoln Park-n-Ride Intersection of Lincoln Ave and Bayfront Parkway 0.7 mi ~14 min
Liberty Park-n-Ride 828 W Bayfront Parkway 1.1 mi ~22 min

 

Additional Parking/Shuttle Information
Park-N-Ride locations, drop-off location at the Bayfront Convention Center:

  • The parking garages at French and Peach (see above table)
  • Intermodal Transportation Center
  • Hoffman/Lincoln Park-N-Ride at Bayfront Parkway and Lincoln Avenue
  • Liberty Park and Ride (next to the Sloppy Duck)
  • A shuttle will also run within the event from the Intermodal Center to the Bayfront Convention Center.
  • Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

NEW for 2025: Passengers with Tall Ships Erie tickets can ride any EMTA fixed route bus for free when presenting the driver with their ticket on event days. This is to encourage people to park/ride from other areas in the EMTA service footprint to avoid congestion downtown. All fixed routes can be found at https://ride-the-e.com/routes-2/ or use the free myStop app.

 

Where to Eat

Although separate food vendors will not be on festival grounds, there are many restaurants along the waterfront and downtown. For a complete list of dining options, click here.

 

 

 

Where to Stay
If you are considering an overnight stay, book early as festival weekends tend to fill up fast. For a complete list of lodging options, click here.

While You’re in Town

Extend your stay and explore more of the Erie region.
For a complete list of things to do, click here or request a free Erie Visitor Guide.

 A full event schedule can be found at TallShipsErie.org.